Academy Update: March 18

Chivas USA’s U17/18 and U15/16 teams returned to action last weekend in U.S. Soccer’s Development Academy league in Central and Northern California.

The U18s kicked off action on a high note, earning a 2-1 win over Cal Odyssey U18s on Saturday in Visalia, Calif. Romario Lomeli opened the scoring in the 25th minute, notching his ninth goal of the season. Early into the second half, Cal Odyssey equalized the match, but Mario Ortiz had the final say for the Red-and-White, notching his first goal of the season, and the winning goal, in the 85th minute.

The following day, the 18’s were not as lucky, falling 2-1 to the San Jose Earthquakes’ U17/18 squad at Nutrilite Training Facility. Although Daniel Moreno notched the first goal of the match in the 12th minute, the Earthquakes were able to bounce back, scoring in the 28th minute and the 73rd; the latter was via penalty kick.

Chivas USA’s U16/15’s extended their unbeaten streak to six games defeating Cal Odyssey U16s 4-2 and the San Jose Earthquakes U16s 2-1. Despite Cal Odyssey taking the lead early in the game, Joshua Perez scored two goals in the first half to keep Chivas USA in the game. In the second half, Alejandro Vergara and Jorge Ruiz each scored for the final 4-2 win. On Sunday against the Earthquakes, Ruiz notched his second goal and midfielder Ryo Fujii also scored for the Red-and-White for another win for the U16s. Despite the positive streak, the young Goats are currently ranked in third place of the Southwest Division standings.

Both teams will be off for the upcoming two weeks, but will face the San Diego Surf on Saturday, April 7 at the San Diego Polo Club. For all youth updates, follow our Academy on Twitter: @ChivasUSAYouth